Academic Calendar

Six ways to start the semester strong

Start your semester strong

Use campus resources. Make an appointment with an academic advisor to answer questions about academic and degree progress, schedule visits to the Tutoring Center for classes you know you may struggle with, and visit the Write Place to get help on term papers and writing assignments. Click here to access a list of ECC's student resources.

Stay up-to-date with college happenings. Download the Ellucian Go app from Google Play or the iTunes store to check your grades, schedule, and access resources anywhere. Sign up with Rave Alert to receive emergency notifications via email and text message about campus closings, weather and safety hazards.

Your syllabus is your best friend. Your syllabus is the most important tool you have. After you get each class syllabus, read through it and familiarize yourself with important dates, and learn what your instructors expects of you in each class.

Take good notes. Find a note taking system that works for you. Review your notes immediately before and after class discussions to refresh your memory. Effective notes use keywords, not word-for-word copies of the lecture or PowerPoint slides. Use color and visuals and diagrams to boost memory recall.

Study productively. The library has study rooms on the first and second floors available for checkout at the Circulation Desk for two-hour periods. The second floor of the library is also a quiet study area, and Buildings K, M and O have relatively little traffic, making them good study spots.

Get involved. Join a student club or organization. It's a great way to get connected, find support, find a study partner, enhance your resume, and have fun while experiencing the full college experience. Visit the Student Life Office for more information.